Washington State Board of Education
The Issue
In 2007, the Washington Legislature passed an education bill that (among other things) eliminated the state's comprehensive math and science exams in favor of end-of-course tests in Algebra I, geometry and biology.
This provision was controversial. The governor vetoed this portion of the bill due to lack of information about the efficacy and use of end-of-course tests and the state board of education commissioned a study on state approaches to high school assessment and best practices.
What We Did
Education First reviewed journal articles, reports, and state and national policy documents; conducted interviews with 30 education, government and business leaders in 10 states with end-of-course testing programs; and provided guiding principles and questions for policymakers. Our deep knowledge of high school testing gave us the head start this project needed.
The Outcome
Education First’s report was widely praised for its neutrality, thoroughness and translation of complex issues into policy implications for Washington and was cited in new legislation enacted in 2008. The research provided the governor, legislature, state board of education and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction with the information needed to determine the most appropriate testing methods for Washington. In 2008, the Legislature changed the 10th-grade test in mathematics to two end-of-course tests in Algebra I and geometry. While there are strengths and limitations to any assessment system, our report enabled the state to adopt substantially more informed (and less controversial) policy.
Why It Matters
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different policy approaches—and being able to explain them clearly and fairly—enables more informed decisionmaking from top to bottom. Education First helped neutralize the strong politics around high school testing programs and helped Washington move forward.